Page 3 of Bold Encounter
"A good old-fashioned foot stomp encouraged him to release me."Genevieve took the last sip of her coffee."He was lucky.If I'd had more warning, I could have done more damage.I might have saved you guys the trouble of hunting him down."
"I don't doubt you were close to delivering him to us, all tied up with a bow."
Genevieve winked."I just thought you should know who you're dealing with."
"Point taken."Abe stood and announced his departure.The woman was too damned engaging and just his type, if he had a type.He'd better get going before his professional decorum went out the window.
At the front door, he said, "Sleep well.You'll be safe."He hesitated."Do you mind if I check on you tomorrow?"
Genevieve nodded and gave him a heart-melting smile.He turned to leave before he changed his mind and stayed.
*****
When the door shut, Genevieve leaned against it and closed her eyes.Oh, God.Surely she'd made a fool of herself.She'd only wanted to talk with Abe a bit, as it had been a distressing evening.She must have been drawn to him, because she was shaken up.
But she was kidding herself.The electricity between them was impossible to deny.Abe had been a gentleman, and that didn't surprise her, yet she'd done everything short of throwing herself at him.
Genevieve took a hot shower before bed.It was very late, but it was her habit to sleep in.Hopefully, when she woke up her life would be back to normal.The hot water flowed over her, but her mind wouldn't cooperate and settle down.
She was forty-two and had no stable relationship.Two failed marriages didn't count.And dating was rough.She just couldn't find the right man.
Abe couldn't be the one.He was a respectable police officer.
And what she'd learned about him in a few minutes of conversation confirmed that he was off-limits.Certainly, she'd clash with him.She couldn't seem to get along in any relationship.The idea of hooking up with a cop made her realize how tired she must be.
She was tired of dating, tired of being alone, and just plain tired.She needed to get some sleep.
Once beneath her comforter with her face buried in the pillow, she realized her interest in Abe had to be a result of the trauma.
She'd been attacked and could have been injured or even abducted.It made sense that she'd crave the presence of Abe, her strong, capable protector.She was human, after all.And a woman.Thoughts of him filled her mind and made sleep difficult.
Hours drifted by, but Genevieve only dozed.She gave up when light peeked through the blinds.She couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability, the fear for Brooke and what might happen before the case could be resolved.
And then there was Abe.
It was all too much.She got up and slipped on her jogging clothes, hoping a run would burn off the excess energy.After a cup of coffee, she headed for the door.
****
Abe hadn't slept all night.He'd left the condo intending to post an officer on duty to guard Genevieve.It hadn't happened.
He knew that he wouldn't entrust her protection to anyone else.Although Genevieve had handled the situation well, it was a serious matter.The Russan mob's heavy-handed tactics were well known.
The fact that she had escaped harm was to her credit, but Abe wasn't going to leave her alone.Barely knowing her, it would be inappropriate to ask to sleep on her sofa.So he'd settled in his police vehicle with a clear view of the main entrance to the condo building.
No one would go in or out without Abe noticing.That was his guarantee that Genevieve was safe.That was worth losing a night's sleep.
He reflected on his years as a Navy SEAL, before he joined the NOPD.Sitting in his vehicle in the middle of the city was comfortable.Or, at least, it wasn't horriblyuncomfortable.
He flashed on a few nights on deployment that he didn't wish to relive.In comparison, the current circumstances were luxurious.
It wasn't that cold out, and the cup of coffee would sustain him for a while.Years of training had prepared him for much more extreme circumstances.It was a skill to stay awake all night, and one he had perfected.
The one problem was boredom, but he wouldn't allow any distractions.It would be a harebrained move to listen to the radio and miss any action.As it turned out, he had plenty to fill his mind.Genevieve was a pleasure to think about.
His one earlier memory was hearing her sing.Abe planned to hear more of her music.She sang New Orleans blues, fast paced and influenced by jazz.It was a strong, soulful sound.
He wanted to get to know her better but didn't see that happening.It didn't hurt to imagine, though, which he had no trouble doing.She was not only beautiful but an impressive woman.In his short encounter with her, Abe had figured that out.
